Choose a notebook that you like. The color, shape and size doesn't matter, as long as it inspires you to write. When you write, sit somewhere with a view that pleases, such as a lakefront, in a park or in your favorite chair at the kitchen table.
Write in your log at the same time each day. Make the writing a habit, so it doesn't seem like a chore. Allow the log to be something you look forward to, like a treasured friend you run toward to tell about your day.
Write the day, date and time of each entry. The purpose of a reflective log is to watch how people, events and your perceptions change over time. If you're lucky you'll also witness a personal transformation. Recording the day, date and time will also yield clues about your personality and your habits. For example, were you anxious about your career around your birthday because you want to achieve a measure of success by a certain age? Are you more annoyed by your coworkers around lunchtime because you're ready for a break? Are you moody on Mondays because you're mourning the end of the weekend?
Don't worry about being perfect. Don't allow worries about proper spelling, punctuation grammar and sentence structure hold up your thoughts. Let the words flow.
Write down what happens. Reflective logs are usually kept to record a particular aspect of your life, like family, romantic relationships and academic or professional aspects. For example, if you're writing a reflective log about your time volunteering in a homeless shelter, you might begin an entry with, "A woman came in today with her six-month-old daughter. She cried when we told her we had a large amount of formula to give her."
Write down how you think and feel about what happens. For example, "I felt bad for them. I couldn't imagine being on the streets with my child. Even though I complain about my job, at least I have a job. Sometimes you don't realize how blessed you are until you're faced with someone less fortunate."
Write down any additional questions or ideas that come to mind. For example, "I wonder how that happened to them? Where is her husband? There should be more services for women on the street with their babies. I'm going to look into that. Maybe I could volunteer to help more women like her."
Look at previous entries often. Appreciate the way your thoughts are growing and changing. Use entries to reflect on your thoughts about your perceptions.